Cityscape caught up with Kiwi opera legend Teddy Tahu Rhodes ahead of his picking up the straight razor as the Demon Barber in New Zealand Opera’sSweeney Todd.

Images: Jeff Busby.

Tell us about the relationship between Sweeney and Mrs Lovett.

It’s kind of a relationship where they need each other really. I think they are two people in this world that have different needs and they just cross each other’s paths; I think in time they get to become very fond of each other. I think throughout there is a genuine affection between to the two of them.

What have you learnt about your character that you didn’t know before taking on the role?

When you think of Sweeney you think of the Demon Barber, but he’s actually quite a tragic and sad man. He’s had a tragic life, so the story of his murderous side is just an extension of his exterior to the real tragedy of his life that has caused him to become the way he is. He’s a man who’s been unjustly imprisoned for 15 years, and had his wife and child taken away from him so the story of him is quite sympathetic I think. It’s a tragedy really.

I don’t have one – I think of pies as being pretty good really! I think if you’ve grown up in New Zealand the pie is quintessentially associated with us in some way. It’s very rare that you get a bad pie – how can you get a bad pie? I think if you stick to the good tried and true mince pie you’ll be pretty safe.

How do you follow someone like Johnny Depp?

I follow a rule that you don’t try and ever be what someone else has done. You just can’t, so I will put my little take on it. I can’t possibly attempt to follow Johnny I’m afraid!

This is a hugely anticipated production – what can we expect?

It’s a great night of entertainment. Sweeney Todd is a comedy within a great black drama. It’s immensely entertaining, the production is going to look great, and the Isaac Theatre is the perfect setting for the old streets of London – because you’re that close to the stage, it will feel like you’ve been transported back to 18th century England. The cast is amazing and it’s going to be an awesome show, and I’m very excited to be coming back to Christchurch.

Tell us about your favourite scene.

My favourite scene is the very first one, and it’s a scene I’m not necessarily in to the end! The opening overture is so dramatic – with the full ensemble it brings everyone on stage at once, and from the very first note it transports you back to old-world England.

]]>webdesign@tmlpublishing.com (Cityscape)EntertainmentThu, 25 Aug 2016 10:09:09 +1200La traviata: Cityscape chats to Kiwi opera star Andrew Gloverhttp://brownbearindulge.co.nz/entertainment/entry/la-traviata-cityscape-chats-to-kiwi-opera-star-andrew-glover
http://brownbearindulge.co.nz/entertainment/entry/la-traviata-cityscape-chats-to-kiwi-opera-star-andrew-gloverWith NZ Opera already in town and rehearsing for the August 14th opening performance of La traviata at the Isaac Theatre Royal, Cityscape caught up with rising Kiwi opera star Andrew Glover – who's playing the role of Gastone in the production – ahead of what's sure to be a stellar season.

A look at your opera CV reveals you’ve played a wide number of roles already in your career. Do you have some personal favourites?

I always feel that my favourite role is the one I am playing right now. That being said I enjoy the liberty you can take in a comic role, I love to dance if possible as I studied dance in my youth, and playing evil characters is wonderfully cathartic. I'm not sure that answers your question, though. Haha!

You made your debut at London’s Royal Opera House earlier this year, called in as an emergency replacement – was it nerve-inducing?

Yes, my nerves were induced! The staff there were so lovely and supportive. There was no time for anything other than focussing on doing a good job. The experience was thrilling and wonderful.

You’re playing Gastone in La traviata, who’s in that “best friend” role in the story – what can you tell us about his character?

Imagine your friend is in love with another friend of yours and they haven't properly met yet. I'm the guy who brings them together. Sparks fly! Oh and at another party I do a matador dance. The tights have to be seen to be believed!

La traviata is one of the most frequently staged operas in the world. What do you think makes it so popular?

The music is truly exceptional. The story speaks about human truths and frailties and audiences have been transported by the piece for generations. It truly deserves to be considered one of the great operas.

You’re based in Brussels now – what’s the best thing about coming home to perform?

Flat whites, Toffee Pops, beaches, brunch with family, drinks with friends, the climate, the greenery, the space, the landscape, friendly relaxed people, did I mention the flat whites? They are hard to find in Brussels.

What do you like to do on your down time when you’re on tour?

I enjoy meeting locals or exploring with the cast and crew. Having lunch or drinks somewhere new. Sightseeing. It's always good to get the inside angle on what's good from a local.

What’s on high-rotate on your iPod at the moment?

Otello by Verdi. I'm doing it with the APO next and am trying to memorise my part.

What’s the most common misconception people have about opera?

People can turn off at the word opera without looking into what opera actually is. Opera is for everybody, it is not elitist in the slightest. There are funny operas and serious operas, operas for kids, x-rated operas, all sorts. So to look into it means entering into a whole world of works spanning centuries and encompassing many different styles. The stories are engaging human stories told with the most incredible music. Mix that with a really cool design and a whole community of musicians and singers and the experience is one that will transport you and inspire you. It is a truly magnificent immersive art form well worth experiencing for yourself.

Cityscape caught up with RNZB’s Lucy Green ahead of her reprisal of the iconic role of Giselle – her favourite of all classical ballet roles.

How do you prepare for a role like Giselle?

The role of Giselle is one I’ve danced many times before. When I first performed it, to find an accurate way of dancing the role that felt true to myself, I spent a lot of time pondering the story, watching other dancers’ interpretations and thinking through how I’d like to portray the character and story. Now that I know the ballet inside out I really enjoy being a bit more spontaneous on stage. It’s a role that’s very easy to get lost in and once you’re in that place each scene and moment feels incredibly natural and real. Physically, however, no matter how many times you’ve performed the role, the preparation is incredibly rigorous. Practice, practice, practice!

RNZB’s previous production toured the world and was made into a feature film; what sort of pressure does this add to the production?

I think the success of all our recent international Giselle tours goes to show how brilliant a production this is. The whole company knows the ballet incredibly well now and each time we perform it, it grows and evolves into something more nuanced, more real and more polished. The pressure, as always, is on, but this is a production that the company dance with incredible confidence and finesse.

Tell us about Giselle’s descent into madness and death – what can we expect performance-wise?

The mad scene is my absolute favourite part of the ballet. Up until this scene Giselle is quite naive. She doesn’t believe anyone could ever lie or mean her harm. When she discovers Albrecht’s deception her head and heart can’t take it and she spirals into madness and eventually death. The scene can be played in many ways, but I think the challenge is to find the balance between subtlety and believability so as not to become melodramatic. I love this scene because you can lose yourself completely. I’ve never felt so many emotions on stage as I do in this scene, but I’ve also never had so much fun.

Describe Giselle in 5 words. Act 1: Giselle is vivacious, hopeful, pure of heart, innocent and a bit of a daydreamer. In Act 2: Giselle is a spirit who has learnt the realities of life, love and heartbreak. She’s now strong-willed and mature, but also forgiving and loving.

What’s the hardest part of your routine?

Physically the hardest part of the ballet is in Act 2. As a spirit the steps must look weightless and ethereal. To dance as a non-human you must not appear to have joints or muscles or effort in the movements.

The ballet is 175 years old this year – why do think it’s still so well loved?

Despite the ballet being so old it’s one that I believe everyone can relate to. The themes of love, heartbreak, deception, and forgiveness are relevant to all, no matter which generation is watching. I love that in Act 1 you can be very real, human and natural in your emotions and acting rather than using typical ‘ballet mime’. It never feels forced and I think this makes it more believable and relatable to audiences. I also think the pure classicism of the white act (Act 2) is incredibly beautiful for audiences.

]]>webdesign@tmlpublishing.com (Cityscape)EntertainmentTue, 07 Jun 2016 09:35:16 +1200Yeehaa! Cityscape catches up with Jimeoinhttp://brownbearindulge.co.nz/news/entry/yeehaa-cityscape-catches-up-with-jimeoin
http://brownbearindulge.co.nz/news/entry/yeehaa-cityscape-catches-up-with-jimeoinCityscape has a chat to Irish-Aussie comedian Jimeoin ahead of his upcoming show here as part of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.

Looking at your poster and show name Yeehaa!, are we to believe that you’re a bit of a cowboy at heart?Yeehaa. Grew up on westerns. Wasn't allowed a gun as grew up in Northern Ireland and we weren't allowed them. Not even toy ones.

What can Kiwi audiences expect from your latest show?A big laugh. You will be none the wiser at the end of it.

You appear to have the hardest working eyebrows in the business; do you have a special training regime or do they require any pre-show exercises?I think it's because people had a hard time understanding me – I had to be expressive.

You’re now billed as a ‘Comedy Superstar’ – what sort of pressure does that add to your performance?I am? Well I'll take your word for it. No pressure. Still do gigs where people don't know who the f**k I am.

Your comedy has taken you around the world – which places make you work hardest for a laugh?East end of London don't let you away with much. Belfast can be tricky. That's because they know me.

Did you create your own signature move while touring with the ‘Puppetry of the Penis’ boys?I started the whole thing I'll let you know. It all came from my tour. I workshopped a couple of ideas.

Have any Kiwi experiences made their way into any of your shows?You will have to come and see it!

Jimeoin brings his show YEEHAA! to Christchurch on Sunday the 8th May, 7:30pm at the Isaac Theatre Royal.

]]>webdesign@tmlpublishing.com (Cityscape)The ScoopFri, 29 Apr 2016 12:51:30 +1200Topp Stuffhttp://brownbearindulge.co.nz/entertainment/entry/topp-stuff
http://brownbearindulge.co.nz/entertainment/entry/topp-stuffCityscape snatched a moment in the middle of the hectic schedules of the inimitable Topp Twins ahead of their big show with the CSO at the end of May.

Can you tell us what the evening’s festivities might entail?There’s going to be something for everyone - an evening of music, singing, dancing, yodelling and unbridled fun.

What’s the best part about being backed by the CSO?It’s a real honour to be part of such a large music event. We love that we are introducing Topp Twins fans to the Orchestra and Orchestra fans to the Topp Twins.

You’ll be playing spoons with an orchestral accompaniment; what’s the secret to pulling that off?Not forgetting the spoons… and the tuning fork.

Which characters might be making an appearance?The Kens will be there along with Camp Mother and Camp Leader and the Bowling Ladies, Lynda and Jools Topp may even make an appearance!

Tell us about ‘burlesque innuendo’ and does it involve Camp Mother?Frequently!

Brimming with old world circus skills and avant-garde burlesque, Le Noir – the Dark Side of Cirqueblends fast-paced, humorous displays of balance, contortion, stamina, aerial artistry and death-defiance ("The Colombian Wheel of Death", anyone?) in its intimate show. Cityscape caught up with emcee extraordinaire and lovable clown Salvador Salangsang for the lowdown on what to expect when Christchurch embraces its dark side.

Tell us about your emcee character.

He’s someone I made up a long time ago and developed over the years through trial and error. The character is pretty much based on my own personality – being that when I’m on and off stage, I like to have the same amount of fun whether it be with the audience, cast members or friends and family. Being the emcee, I get to take everybody through the journey but also piece together the pieces of the puzzle that make Le Noir. I do several acts throughout the show and interact with the audience. I’ve learnt early in my years as a performer and artist to make everyone feel like part of the show and not the butt of a joke.

What’s one thing people probably don’t know about Le Noir?

I would say the one thing people don’t know about Le Noir – and this surprises everyone – is that the audience sits 360-degrees around our stage. Some are regular seats in the theatre, but some seats are actually on stage around us. During the show, you get to see every bead of sweat and every breath that the artists take, as well as interacting with them.

Do you suffer performance anxiety?

One thing that a lot of people are surprised to hear about me is that I do have really bad stage fright. This is because a lot of my time on stage is interacting with the audience so my performance can change from show to show – which is great, as it keeps me on my toes, but I never know what I’ll get. But when the show’s all done and over with and we get to bow, then I can finally relax. However, it all starts again the next day, until that final bow.

What advice do you have for those attending?

My advice would be that coming and seeing our show is like roller coaster ride at a theme park – you buy your tickets, you know it’s going to be exciting but you never know what’s around the corner. Sometimes it is really exciting and adrenaline-filled and then there are moments that are smooth and poetic – there’s something for everyone. So sit back and enjoy that roller coaster ride, because when the ride’s over, you’ll have experienced something fun and exciting and you’ll want to ride it again!

The Columbian Wheel of Death sounds kinda fun – what’s it all about then?

The Columbian Wheel of Death is something that has to be seen! It’s kind of like a big hamster wheel – but this actually has humans in it that aren’t harnessed in. You’ll be amazed at what they can do on this … both inside and out of it. As I say all the time, you’ve gotta have a little bit of crazy in you to do this act – and these guys are crazy, in a good way!

How do you keep your bod Le Noir-ready?

Since a lot of us in the cast are athletes, and the show is so demanding, we all help each other out, whether it be away from the theatre or backstage before the show – even sometimes during the show. Geronimo, one half of the roller-skating duo, had me even doing one thousand and thirty push-ups in the span of two back-to-back shows.

What are you looking forward to most about Christchurch?

Performing in the re-built Isaac Theatre Royal, meeting the people, and seeing the many performers at Cup & Show Week.

Chocolate found me – I never believed I was creative until I started playing with chocolate.

Where do you get your chocolate?

We predominantly use Belgium couverture chocolate, and we also buy beans from the Pacific Islands. We use organic, non-organic, single origin, fair trade – the whole spectrum where flavour, quality and the story are paramount.

What’s the best thing about being a chocolatier?

I have, on-hand, the best chocolate in the world! At She we are constantly given chocolate from all around the world, and it usually lies with a bite or two taken out of it in the chocolate kitchen until it expires.

Do you ever get sick of eating chocolate?

Chocolate is the most sacred and ancient ingredient on the planet – it’s been here for thousands of years – and I can definitely take a few more years!

The secret to making great chocolates?

Living a life of creativity, constantly stepping into the new and having the courage to follow my inner knowing (some call it instinct).

Best chocolate you ever tasted?

It would have to be the first chocolate I ever made, because the memory of its magic is still so great. A beautiful lady in Melbourne made this chocolate for a fundraiser and when I tasted it I simply thought I was in chocolate bliss. I started making it for friends, the recipe continued to evolve, and soon I was selling it in cafes and organic shops. You never forget your first Decadent Date moment, which is what we called this chocolate.

Most unusual creation?

We create a lot of unusual flavours! My favourite thing to do is create chocolates for wedding couples. I meet them over hot chocolates at our cafe in Governors Bay and learn about their love and capture their story in unique flavours which have included beetroot and balsamic, curry and mango, and brie and hazelnut.

Is white chocolate really chocolate?

If it contains cocoa butter from the cacao bean, then yes. A lot of white chocolate out there has nothing of the bean in it though – so read the ingredients carefully!

Brag files?

Lonely Planet Top 10 Culinary Schools in the World in 2011 and acclaimed as the top chocolatiers outside of Europe in Southern Hospitality Magazine.

That the cacao bean is made up of two ingredients: cocoa butter and cocoa powder. The cocoa powder has the health properties (antioxidants, minerals and iron), and the cocoa butter has the flavour and decadence! The two together create a perfect marriage. Bean to bar chocolate is where the bean has not been separated and when eating bean to bar chocolate, you experience the full power and potency of the cacao bean.

How can we enjoy chocolate more?

Let it melt on the palate, without chewing. This allows the full experience of chocolate to be known – the mouth feel and the release of flavours.

Chocolate is ...

... a gift on every level – a gift to give, to experience, to taste, to share, to create, to express and to feel the extraordinariness of life with.